Chapter 86: Frank Giustra and Jason's Goodwill

[Chapter 86: Frank Giustra and Jason's Goodwill]

Frank Giustra came from a mining family, and he himself was involved in financing related industries before switching to the film industry.

On the other hand, DreamWorks was founded by three big shots. Jeffrey Katzenberg had worked in the film industry for years, serving as an executive at Paramount and Disney. David Geffen started in the mailroom at William Morris in the 1960s and co-founded Shelter Records in the '70s, discovering and signing bands like The Eagles and Bob Dylan. Spielberg needed no introduction -- he was a key figure in Hollywood's postwar redevelopment, navigating pressures like the Hays Code, the baby boom, the rise of TV, and strict media controls.

These three ambitious guys united to create DreamWorks, but it ultimately ended on a rather dim note. Meanwhile, the outsider Frank cautiously started by reselling filming equipment and then producing low-budget thriller and horror films, eventually growing into a top-notch film company, second only to the Big Six.

Later on, Marvel emerged, and new media shook things up, causing the Big Six studios to regroup. Disney aggressively acquired companies, but that was all just fallout from earlier conflicts.

The interesting comparison between DreamWorks and Lionsgate highlighted a key point: in the highly efficient business world, the quality of the product itself isn't necessarily the cause of a company's success. Rather, it's the company's development and management capabilities that lead to high-quality output.

Charlie was currently focusing on refining his company's structure. He looked at Frank with bright eyes. Frank was quite a talent, but sadly, Corleone Studios didn't have room for this giant. Still, could they collaborate?

Frank was Canadian, a second-generation entrepreneur expanding rapidly but lacking deep roots. Although he knew the current White House tenant, it was obvious that he was being positioned as a high-level pawn. Now, wanting to enter the film industry, his goals weren't just career growth or asset optimization -- more importantly, he sought to raise his social status in America.

The film and media industry was unique, often gaining broad social influence with minimal investment. Collaborating would benefit both sides more than competing would in the short to medium term. Charlie thought this internally but kept quiet. Now wasn't the right time for close cooperation; Corleone Studios needed to develop further first. Who would lead the collaboration otherwise?

Frank clearly intended to engage with Hollywood production companies. With Bill's friendship backing him, entering the business was no problem, but further progress required caution. Frank was a prudent and steady man.

...

Charlie smiled and said, "Frank, I'm happy to work with you. Just a few days ago, I attended a small national theater owners' trade meeting, improving Corleone Studios' distribution channels effectively. If you could offer some contracts, it would greatly boost our North American theatrical distribution capabilities. By the way, my production company is seeking to purchase its own filming equipment. We can discuss that later."

Frank smiled and nodded. "Sounds great, it's a deal!"

Charlie didn't ignore Jason, who was with Frank. "And Mr. Trumm, if you can help with applying for tax rebate treaties, Corleone Studios would be happy to do some filming in Park City."

He seemed to chat with Jason but was actually trying to get Frank's attention. Since Frank was in finance, he might help with funding film projects.

Charlie introduced Corleone Studios' current progress and future projects, "We have many high-quality projects -- one with Will Smith starring in The Stockbroker, deep collaboration with Miramax for the awards-season hopeful Good Will Hunting, and two horror films adapted from my novels.

Now, Corleone Studios has a comprehensive North American distribution channel, and for global distribution, we cooperate both with Fox and Disney. Moreover, I partnered with some friends to establish a film production fund, having raised $18.5 million. Honestly, though, that money is just a drop in the bucket for our projects -- especially since we're developing the epic fantasy Lord of the Rings project, which requires over hundreds of millions of dollars in investment. Plus, we acquired shares in a record company to build distribution channels outside of theaters."

Frank looked at Charlie in surprise. Was Corleone Studios growing so fast? This young man had only produced one film but used every trick in the book.

As a financial man, Frank had his own business philosophy. Hearing this made him think of Charlie as a far more serious player, a talented business management prodigy with both cleverness and skills.

Charlie, half boasting and half lamenting, smiled wryly. "I'm going crazy looking for funding channels. If you know any retail or other business owners interested in film advertising, don't forget to contact me."

George knew much of Charlie's story was true. As a somewhat idle actor who enjoyed social activities, he was happy to stay friendly with a seemingly prosperous film company owner.

So he smiled and supported, "Charlie, I have some business friends; I'll introduce you later. Don't forget to invite me when your company has a role suitable for me."

"Of course!" Charlie nodded.

Jason pondered this interesting film company owner. The company sounded pretty good. He planned to investigate it thoroughly later. Park City lacked resources and notable enterprises, so attracting a noteworthy film project to film locally could provide jobs and possibly boost tourism.

In politics, knowing a film company owner could be quite beneficial.

Jason extended goodwill to Charlie: "We have several small businesses eager to place their logos in Hollywood films. When you have projects shooting in Park City, I'll help with introductions. By the way, our town has been shaken by serial killings, causing quite a disturbance."

"Thanks," Charlie nodded, casually asking, "Is it serious?"

Jason smiled bitterly and briefly described the situation.

Park City was a small satellite town with a population of about 100,000. In general, larger cities had worse safety outside wealthy areas, while small towns could go years without violent crimes. However, when such crimes happened, they were shockingly brutal, almost movie-like.

In June, several disappearances occurred involving travelers and passersby, their cars and persons vanished. After a few months' investigation, it was confirmed that a young gang had been conducting hunting-like killings for fun, using cruel methods including signs of barbecue.

The news spread widely, causing panic. Media across North America and the world covered it extensively.

"This case worsened Park City's economic decline and population loss. We're racking our brains on how to improve things," Jason said helplessly.

Charlie nodded slowly. He remembered seeing something about it on TV, indeed making quite a stir. Wait, this was a good opportunity!

*****

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